TITLE VI AND LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP)

On August 11, 2000, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. Executive Order 13166 obligates departments of transportation and sub-recipients to make certain that people of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have “meaningful access to the programs, services, and information” they provide.

Who is an LEP Person?

Persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English can be limited English proficient, or “LEP.”

What does LEP Require?

Executive Order 13166 requires MTA to identify geographic areas within it’s service area, that contain a certain percentage of individuals who have a limited ability to speak or understand English. If a certain percent of the population is deficient in English, the MTA must ensure that key documents and vital information about projects, programs and services are available in the language, of the LEP population. For example, MTA may be required to provide interpreters at public meetings.

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HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination under Title VI based on your race, color, national origin, or any aspect of this policy, you may file a complaint up to 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. The complaint should include the following information:

• Your name, address, and how to contact you (i.e., telephone number, email address, etc.)

• How, when, where, and why you believe you were discriminated against. Include the location, names and contact information of any witnesses.

The complaint may be filed in writing to:

Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance Programs

Maryland Transit Administration6 Saint Paul St., Baltimore, Maryland 21202

For additional information:

mta.maryland.gov | 410.767.3944TTY 410-539-3497

Maryland Relay Users Dial 7-1-1Usuarios de Maryland Relay marque el 7-1-1

This document is available in an alternate format or translated upon request. Please contact MTA Office of Customer and Community Relations:410-767-3999 • 866-743-3682 • TTY 410-539-3497.

Este documento está disponible en un formato alternativo o traducido al pedirlo. Por favor, comuníquese con MTA Office of Customer and Community Relations: 410-767-3999 • 866-743-3682 TTY 410-539-3497.

MTA FAIR PRACTICE POLICY (TITLE VI)

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

WHAT IS TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964?

Title VI provides as follows: “no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under a program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” [42 U.S.C. 2000d]. In addition to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, Title VI requires the MTA and its sub-recipients to consider the effects its programs and activities may have upon minority and low income communities.

DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED BY TITLE VI

There are many forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, or national origin that limit the opportunity of minorities to gain equal access to services and programs.

Among other things, in operating a federally-assisted program the MTA and its sub-recipients cannot on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or indirectly: • Deny program services, aids, or benefits

• Provide a different service, aid, or benefit, or provide them in a manner differently than they are provided to others

• Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any services, aid, or benefit

TITLE VI & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

On February 11, 1994, President Clinton signed Executive Order 12898: Federal Action to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. The Executive Order provides that “each agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse

human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations.” In support of Executive Order 12898, the U.S. DOT issued an Order on Environmental Justice (DOT Order 5610.2). This order clarifies and reinforces Title VI responsibilities in federally financed transportation projects.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Another integral component of Environmental Justice is public involvement in the planning and development of transportation projects. The DOT Order (5610.2) on Environmental Justice directs departments of transportation and sub-recipients to provide minority and low-income populations greater access to information on and opportunities for public participation in matters that may impact their health and environment. Public participation is accomplished in a variety of ways such as public hearings, open houses, and community outreach. The MTA strives for public involvement as early as possible in the planning and development stages of major transportation projects.